The familiar ding of my phone pulled me out of my thoughts as I stepped out of Mr. Hale’s car and made my way toward my apartment. Sliding the phone out of my bag, I saw Jason’s name light up the screen.
Jason: “Looking forward to tonight. Don’t keep me waiting too long.”
I stared at the message, suddenly hyper-aware of the fact that my stomach did a little flip at his name. Stop it, Isabella, I told myself, shaking my head.
He’s just an old crush, nothing more.
Still, a small smile crept onto my face as I replied:
Me: “I won’t. See you soon.”
After quickly freshening up and slipping into something more casual but still flattering—a soft blouse paired with dark jeans and ankle boots—I checked my reflection. Simple makeup, nothing too over the top. Satisfied, I grabbed my bag an
